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The New Jersey Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jennifer Beck expanding the “Move Over Law” to prevent sanitation worker deaths. “Michael Massey’s Law” is named for a Freehold resident who was killed when he was hit by a car while loading a garbage truck as part of his public works duties in Ocean Township.

“Drivers know they have to slow down and move over when approaching an ambulance or police car because the ‘Move Over Law’ has been so effective at raising awareness and saving lives,” Senator Beck (R-Monmouth) said. “Michael Massey’s death is a tragic reminder that emergency responders are not the only public workers at risk of being hit by a car on the job. Those who operate sanitation vehicles should receive the same protections.”

Senator Beck’s bill, S-518, expands the “Move Over Law” to include sanitation vehicles. The law requires drivers to reduce speeds and change lanes when approaching an authorized emergency service vehicle or tow truck. Under current law, sanitation vehicles must display flashing amber lights to warn drivers of their presence.

S-518 would also require motorists approaching sanitation vehicles, if possible, to; reduce speed to less than the posted speed limit, be prepared to stop and make a lawful lane change to at least one lane away from the sanitation vehicle. Violators would face a maximum $500 fine. Last session, an identical version of S-518 was unanimously approved by the full Senate but stalled in the Assembly.

“This is a commonsense update to a very effective existing law that has been proven to save lives,” Senator Beck added. “We owe it to Michael Massey’s loved ones and all current public workers to institute these protections as swiftly as possible.”